Discover all the fun things to do

If you're after a swim with a view — and without the midday heat — Cloud 22 at Atlantis The Royal is bringing back its Moonlight Sessions starting Thursday, May 1, 2025. This exclusive rooftop experience lets guests take a dip in the iconic 90-metre sky pool, perched 96 metres above Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Here’s the breakdown of how to book your moonlit escape: Lotus Bar access: AED 300 minimum spend per person (no pool access) Single Pool Lounger: AED 300 per person (includes pool access) Lotus Floating Bed: AED 850 per couple Infinity Floating Bed: AED...

Apple has unveiled plans for its fifth store in the UAE, set to open in 2025 in the historic city of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. This announcement reinforces the company’s dedication to expanding its footprint and enhancing customer experiences in the Middle East. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for this milestone, stating: "The UAE is home to an incredible community of creators, innovators, developers, and entrepreneurs. We’re excited to grow our teams, support local businesses, and strengthen our customer relationships here." The upcoming store promises a dynamic space for shopping and learning, offering customers access to Apple’s latest...

Summer is just getting started in the UAE, and another public holiday is already on the horizon: Islamic New Year 2026 (or 1448 AH). While the exact date will depend on the official moon sighting, the occasion comes with a long weekend for UAE residents. So where does this long weekend come from in June 2026? The recently adopted UAE Public Holidays Law allows to move some holidays to the beginning or end of the week. The UAE has already announced that Monday, June 15, will be an official holiday for Hijri New Year for both private and public sector employees....

If you’ve been wondering whether distance learning is about to end, here’s the latest from UAE authorities. Schools and kindergartens across the country are currently operating remotely, and that continues until April 17. Meanwhile, gradual return to in-person classes is being prepared. Here’s the full update. The Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council confirmed that nurseries, schools, and universities are moving toward in-person learning. Regular classes will resume across all nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools on April 20, 2026. Private schools can still use a hybrid rotational model when needed. All educational institutions are also expected to...

If you’re a fan of Korean cinema, this one’s for you. The Korean Film Festival is returning for its ninth edition in the UAE — with screenings lined up in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This year’s theme is “music”, with a curated lineup of films ranging from those with unforgettable original soundtracks to others where music plays a central role.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Korean Cultural Center UAE🇦🇪🇰🇷 (@kcc_uae) Organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the UAE and the Korean Cultural Center, the festival will take place at Manarat...

Barasti, the long-standing favourite in Dubai Marina, is bringing back free access to its beach and pool areas — and it’s sticking around until October 2025. After briefly introducing an entry fee earlier this year, Barasti has dropped charges altogether, with no minimum spend required. The move comes after Barasti’s recent major refresh, which saw upgrades to the pool deck, the addition of hammocks, and 16 premium cabanas for those who want to lounge in style.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Barasti Beach (@barastibeach) Regular cabanas are available for free. VIP cabanas and...

From January 10 to February 28, 2025, the Al Wathba region in Abu Dhabi will host the second edition of the Al Wathba Dates Festival, a key feature of the Sheikh Zayed Festival. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event celebrates the enduring cultural and agricultural significance of date palms in the UAE. This year’s festival will bring together date enthusiasts, farmers, and traders from around the globe. It will include 12 competitions highlighting date packaging — with and without additives — featuring six...

As the UAE prepares for the Islamic New Year holiday on June 15, several emirates have announced changes to parking, toll gates, and public transport. If you're planning to be out and about, here's what to know in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Free Parking and Toll Gates for Islamic New Year in Abu Dhabi Several Darb toll gates will be free of charge on June 15: Sas Al Nakhl Al Maqta Rabdan Al Saadiyat Al Qurm and Ghantoot toll gates are excluded from the exemption. Free parking for all spaces managed by Mawaqif has also been confirmed for the same...

Public sector employees in Bahrain can start planning for a long Eid Al Adha 2026 break. HRH Prince Salman officially announced the holiday dates for ministries and public institutions. The Eid Al Adha holiday in Bahrain will begin on Tuesday, May 26 and continue until Friday, May 29. Since Friday falls during the holiday period, Sunday, May 31 will also be given as a compensation day off. It means a six-day long weekend during the Eid holiday period. If you’re looking for festive ideas and things to do during the long weekend, check out best places to visit during Eid...

Kuwait has made an update to its residency and family visa policies, with changes that will impact expats living in the country. The new regulations are aimed at making it simpler for expats to bring their family members to Kuwait and ease the process for professionals traveling to the country. One of the major changes is that expats can now apply for family visas valid for up to one year. This policy includes multiple entry options and various timeframes: Single entry visa with the duration of 1, 2, or 3 months Multiple entry with the duration of up to 1 year...